Writing in L.A.
Well, I’m back in LA LA land and I’ve been working the past 2 days on a new song (which I wrote about in a previous entry). I’m excited about this one. I worked on it for a couple hours yesterday and then got to a point where I’d heard it too many times to be objective about it anymore. So, like many writers, I took a break from it and came back to it this morning. That first listen the day after is very important, because it’s the once chance I have to hear the song with fresh ears and hear any weak spots. I observe my reactions to that first listen very carefully because it gives me excellent clues about what I need to change. And after that, the song starts feeling like it’s part of me again and it’s hard to be objective.
But that first listen also makes me sort of anxious—before I hit “play” I start thinking, “What if I hear it today and think it’s awful? Then I’ll have to start all over again.” So, today I hit “play” and, happily, it still sounded good to me! In fact, if I might say so, it sounded even a little better than it sounded yesterday. Yay! So, now I’m putting the finishing touches on it and then I will share it with another human being for the first time and see what he thinks. That’s the next step.
So, I’m writing a lot and doing open mics to promote my show at The Cat Club in West Hollywood on Monday, October 29th at 8:30pm. Hope to see you there, kitties! Meow! 
October 24th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
“the day after” effect totally resonates. i often have to do the same thing. i’ll lose perpsective on a piece during a marathon edit session. usually i hate what i’ve done that first day. but, i know now that all i need is a good night’s sleep and everything will look and feel different the next morning.
October 25th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Hi Kari! I totally hear you—usually I don’t like what I do the first day either. It used to really get me down on myself, but now I’ve learned it’s just part of the process. When you come back to it, there is always more to explore. Pretty cool actually!